Ventless and Vent-Free Gas Logs

Ventless gas logs are a very popular heating option. These beautiful log sets give the illusion of a real wood-burning or charcoal fire without the mess of ashes and cinders! Real Fyre offers several of our bestselling vent free gas logs here on eFireplaceStore.com. The Real Fyre Charred Frontier Oak design seems to be the most popular. This 30" set is designed to be operated with natural gas while this 24" set is fueled by propane. There are so many different ventless gas fireplace log sets, you're sure to find the perfect size to fit into your current fireplace space!

We are only aware of statewide bans in California and much of Colorado and I do not think that Florida has such a ban. When in doubt, it is always best to contact your local code office to make sure as requirements regarding the installation of ventless systems will vary widely depending on the municipality.

I have a wood burning prefab fireplace in my home and want to switch to gas fire logs. I have been told I should use ventless logs, but continue to use my flue. What is your advice?

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If you were to install ventless logs, there would be no reason to keep your flue open. These are, in fact, designed to be used with the damper closed. Some people might leave them cracked open for air circulation in basements or newer buildings with small square footage, but you will lose heat this way.

I currently have a NG ventless fireplace that is about 15 yrs old. As I'm sure you've heard a thousand times, the unit emits an unpleasant odor that prevents us from using it. I have been reading recently that many new gas log sets are made with a catalytic converter system. Are any of the replacement log/burner sets you offer equipped with such a system.

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Our recommendations will differ depending on if this is a ventless fireplace or simply a wood burning fireplace with ventless gas logs installed. If this is a fireplace, the only option will be complete replacement. If this is a gas log set, upgrading the system to a model with refractory ceramic logs may remedy the issue, so long as there are no pre-existing issues that will cause an odor with any ventless gas log set (high traffic area, ceiling fans or candles burning). With older, ceramic fiber logs, this lightweight, porous material will break down over time and hold a smell that will not go away unless the entire system is replaced. Also ventless gas hearth systems are not recommended for anyone who is sensitive to smell.

Are there electronic ignition retro fit kits for ventless gas logs? My gas logs are hard to turn on and I need the most simple way to turn them on that doesn't require you to crawl into the fireplace to turn them on.

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We will be happy to look into replacement panels for your unit. If you could, will you please provide the manufacturer and model number of your fireplace? We look forward to your response.

I have a small fireplace opening, 12 inches deep, and it comes to a point in the back so the rear dimension is only 24" wide and the front is a little wider, say 30". I am looking for ventless gas logs that would fit. What would you recommend?

I have gas logs in my fireplace at home. Do I have to open the flue when I use them?

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If they are vented gas logs, you must absolutely open the damper while the logs are in operation. If they are vent free, opening the damper is typically only required by the gas log manufacturer when the mantel clearances cannot be met.

The difference between vented and vent free is efficiency. Vent free burners operate at an efficiency that allows them to only put off water vapor and carbon dioxide during combustion, so they can exhaust and draw combustion air from the room. Vented units can have a higher BTU output than vent free burners, but require venting which can cause heat loss. Vent free units are only meant to be used for 2-3 hours at a time as they put moisture into the air and can cause stuffiness in the room, while vented units can be run for as long as you would like.

I have older logs from my previous fireplace. Will I be able to reuse them with a ventless system?

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Unfortunately, no. Vent free log sets and burners are very specific to one another. As such, the logs and burner can only be purchased and installed as a complete set. This will ensure that the system does not release harmful soot or carbon monoxide into the room.

What is the difference between refractory log sets and ceramic fiber log sets? I'm looking at a Vail Premium 32" ventless fireplace. Which model would you recommend? What are the pros and cons between the 2 different types?

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Refractory logs are superior to ceramic fiber logs as they do not break down over time unlike ceramic fiber logs. Secondly, ceramic fiber logs are much more fragile making cleaning and maintenance a delicate process. Refractory logs will continue to hold and radiate heat for some time after the burner has been extinguished similar to the side of a brick wall which has been exposed to the sun for the majority of the afternoon. If you are in search of a 32" fireplace, I would suggest utilizing a firebox, such as the Empire Breckenridge VFD32FB0L Deluxe Vent-Free Louvered Gas Firebox - 32" along with an 18" log set of your choosing. With a firebox and log set purchased separately, if for any reason down the line, the log set needs to be replaced and replacement components are no longer available, a replacement log set and burner could be installed. Whereas, if a vent free fireplace in which the burner and log set are proprietary to that fireplace, replacement components could be harder to come by at a much later time. Pairing a firebox and log set may be slightly more expensive on the front end, but is well worth it in the long run.
Ceramic log sets have one "pro" which sets them apart from refractory logs. While the burner is in operation, the ceramic logs will commonly have a section of the log placed closely to the burner tube allowing the log to glow as if it were a true wood log.

Can all of your ventless propane log sets be controlled electronically with the necessary adapter?

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Only our remote-ready units can be controlled electronically. This would include both the variable flame sets and the on/off variety. The units listed as "Safety Pilot" can only be controlled manually at the log set.

What would cause fumes to come off of a ventless log natural gas fireplace?

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Most vent free gas log sets will release an initial burn off odor during the first 3 to 4 hours of operation. However, if the set continues to release a noticeable smell when operating, there is likely an issue with log placement. The log placement instructions should be reviewed and a visible check made to ensure that flames are not hitting any of the logs directly. It is also important to service a vent free set on a yearly basis. Accumulation of dust, lint, or pet dander into the assembly can partially clog the air intake, releasing an odor.

We are looking at ventless gas logs for natural gas to replace some gas logs that we have had with propane for about 20 years. We will be hiring a plumber to convert our appliances to natural gas and wondered if there is anything special about installation that we need to worry about. With the plumber's help, should we be able to install them ourselves or do we need to hire someone to install them?

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As long as the gas line is currently in position, changing fuels will not be an issue for a vent free log set. As you know, vent free systems cannot be converted, so installing the new natural gas burner will be fairly simple. The supplied gas line will connect to the existing pipe stub already in the fireplace. This is a job that your plumber could very easily handle.

We are converting our fireplace from propane to natural gas but I'm not sure which pilot type to use. What are the differences between them? What would you suggest? Also, do natural gas logs put out a lot of heat? We have a ventless fireplace.

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Propane and natural gas log assemblies will produce the same BTU output, when looking at the output between the same models. Propane burners will have a smaller burner orifice, as propane gas has a higher BTU potential than natural gas.
All pilot assemblies used with vent free logs are safe and have a built in shutdown system that will turn gas off to the valve if the pilot flame is lost for any reason. The most basic type of pilot is a manual pilot or what is commonly known as a "safety pilot". This system allows only manual control of the burner, with some systems offering 3 step flame height adjustment. A control knob is located on the burner assembly. Remote or millivolt pilot assemblies will allow you to control the unit from a light switch or remote control. There are also various other remote assemblies that allow flame height adjustment, in addition to the ability to control the unit from a remote.

This set would indeed be the correct model to use and is the largest we offer. Your fireplace opening is quite large for the size of the 30 inch set, however the BTU limitation that is in place for vent free appliances prevents a larger version from being offered.

I have an original brick fireplace that I converted to a vent free natural gas log set from the home depot about 8 years ago during a second story add on to my house. I capped off the chimney right under the second story floor with a 1/2" thick steel plate and cement. Is there some sort of blower assembly I can add in to help distribute the heat? I would like to get rid of the little stand up fan I have on the side next to it to blow the heat away from the mantle because, without it, everything gets really hot. I have melted a few plastic holiday decorations.

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While we do have grate heaters that can be used with vented logs, they are not intended for use with vent free log sets. The issue with using a blower with a vent free log set within a masonry fireplace is that even the slightest draft can cause wafting of the flames against the logs. This in turn causes some flame impingement, releasing CO and hydrocarbons into the air.

I want to replace my ventless gas logs with new with thermostat remote. The metal fire box is 28 1/2 inches in the front, 21 inches at the back, and 13 1/4 inches deep with a 20 inch height. What size and type of ventless gas logs would work for me?

Both vented and vent free logs are typically available in natural gas or propane fuels. I'm assuming that you currently have a vented set that is fueled by natural gas and want to convert to vent free. If this is correct, I will need to know the front width, rear width, depth, and height of your fireplace opening. This will help me to determine the proper size of set for your needs.

My house originally had a coal-burning fireplace. It does not appear to have a damper or a lining. What is the best way to close off the top and bottom of the chimney so that a ventless log set can be used without introducing dampness into the chimney and losing heat up the chimney?

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In your case, it may be best to use a vent free insert, as opposed to a vent free log set. The insert will be a completely sealed and self contained metal chassis, which will prevent any heat from escaping to the chimney. By code, if the fireplace has any sort of chimney, it cannot be sealed off when using vent free logs. While I have seen fireplaces sealed by use of a fabricated metal pan, this is technically not an acceptable solution.

We are building an outdoor fireplace and want to use the ventless logs. The box is going to be sealed with concrete blocks and fire bricks on all interior sides so there is no flu. There will be a natural gas burner installed to be lit manually only. I don't think we need the remote control or the pilot light. There will be a key which turns the gas on to light it. That being said, can we just order the log set with the grate and is that all we need? What would you recommend for our situation?

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By your description, you can indeed purchase just a log grate and a set of refractory logs to be used in your fireplace. For outdoor applications, it is ideal to use a stainless steel grate, as it will last much longer in the humid outdoor air. .

We are interested in the ventless gas logs but are concerned about the safety of a 100+ year old fireplace. We plan to bring in a new gas line, repair any brick work necessary and seal off the flue/chimney with fire brick but would like to leave the existing firebox as original as possible. We are using professionals for the work. Anything else we need to consider? If it is structurally adequate, are we okay?

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Being that vent free log sets emit much less heat than wood burning fireplaces do, a basic inspection to ensure that the fireplace, and chimney system are sound and safe would be sufficient to allow a vent free log set to be installed. Having professionals on site takes out a lot of guess work being that they can visually inspect and make needed repairs to the fireplace.

Our ventless gas logs are causing our fire alarms to go off. What do you think is causing this, and what should we do to correct it? We appreciate your input. Thanks.

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Whether you have smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms going off, we recommend discontinuing the use of the ventless logs set until it can be serviced by a professional. The issue is likely caused by incomplete combustion, which may be a result of improper log placement or gas pressure that is out of the required range. Please call a local reputable plumber to have the unit serviced.

What would cause ventless gas logs to put out a soot film on the front of the fireplace?

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Because vent free logs pull combustion air from the room and then return the heated air back to the room, they can produce a bit of a film over time. If the sooting is occurring over a relatively short amount of time, it is likely that the air shutter in the gas log burner assembly is becoming clogged and needs to be cleaned out. If this component is clogged with dust, dirt, or spider webs, in can cause the fuel mixture to become unbalanced, leading to the release of soot.

We have logs that put out too much heat. Do you have logs that can be adjusted to a lower setting?

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We do indeed offer vent free log sets that have an adjustable flame setting. However, even at the 50% flame adjustment mark, they will still be emitting at least 18,000 BTUs to the room, which is a considerable amount of heat. If you truly need heat from the log set at times, this would be the best option. However, if your fireplace has the ability to be vented, you may consider using a vented log set instead.

Can I buy just the burner assembly and not the entire log set for a 24" natural log set?

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We currently only list our ventless logs as complete sets - both burners and logs. This is due to the highly specific way ventless units must operate. However, if you currently have a set of Peterson ventless logs and can reply with the model information, we can quote you the appropriate burner.

I have a silly question for you. We have a traditional fireplace that has a flue that can be opened. Can we have ventless logs, or will it require us to have a log set that requires venting?

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This is actually a good question and one that comes up often. If the chimney does have a working damper and is in good shape, you have the choice of using a vented or vent free set. The damper can be closed down most of the way with a vent free set, allowing the heat to circulate in the room for greater efficiency. In the event that you would like to operate the set, without incurring the extra heat, the damper could be fully opened.

I want to install two ventless propane gas fireplaces in the house I am building in Palm Beach County Florida. Are there any restrictions?

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Unvented appliances are legal in the state of Florida at this time, however each local jurisdiction has final authority on the matter. It is recommended to contact your local code office to verify that vent free appliances are legal in your town.

My fireplace is 30" wide in the front and 24" in the back, but only 13" deep. I think at one time this was a wood burning fireplace just because the house was built in 1926. However, I'm not sure of this until I can borrow my friends little remote camera to poke up the vent. The vent, or opening, is only about 1.25" x 6". I don't know if this is even big enough to be considered vented or not. That is my question. Can I use a vented unit or do I need to get a ventless? I would like to be able to use a vented unit because of the cost and I want to be able to have a more realistic look plus generate heat! Can you give me some advice on this?

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Based on the dimensions of your fireplace and the flue opening, the fireplace was likely originally intended for coal burning. Because of the small size of the flue, a vented gas appliance should not be used, as it will release more gas byproducts than the small flue will be able to keep up with. If you are able to verify that the flue is in good condition and not blocked, a vent free set could be used. I recommend inspecting the chimney before proceeding further.

Do the pilots stay lit on all of your ventless log sets? I am going to use this set infrequently and I am not sure about leaving the pilot lit all the time. Also, I'm not sure I want to leave the pilot on when I am away from home for a week at a time.

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Most of our ventless leg sets do indeed feature a standing pilot light. However, the sets that feature the Electronic Pilot Kit do not; these use a battery-operated ignition system that eliminates the standing pilot. You can use the search options on the left-hand side of this page to select "Electronic Remote Pilot" from the "Pilot Type" menu to see these log sets.

Ventless gas log sets offer a beautiful, realistic flame pattern. If you're looking to enjoy the dancing flames created by a real wood-burning fire without the hassle of sweeping up ashes, then these log sets are some of your best options! They come in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that fills your fireplace with a pile of realistic-looking logs and beautiful flames. In addition to providing gorgeous flames, ventless gas log sets are very efficient: 100% of the heat generated by these gas-fueled flames is directed right into your living space. It's a great option if you want to turn your furnace off and still heat your living area during the winter months. As an added bonus, these ventless fireplace logs don't send a lot of moisture into your living area! You'll enjoy the heat without the humidity produced by lower quality sets. Take some time to browse our high quality ventless gas fireplace logs. With the best prices around and free shipping, you're sure to find a set that you love!